Mayor Kevin Faulconer introduced his 26-member staff to the public Thursday, calling the team he’s assembled diverse and dedicated.
Local political operative Stephen Puetz is serving as chief of staff. Under him are deputy chiefs of staff Jaymie Bradford, in charge of policy; Felipe Monroig, who leads community engagement; and Matt Awbrey, who runs communications.
“I’m honored these outstanding and dedicated people have decided to join my administration and help achieve my vision for the city,” Faulconer said. “They come from all walks of life and reflect the kaleidoscope of cultures and ethnic backgrounds that make our city such a wonderful place to live.”
The staff has members who are black, Asian American, Latino, members of the gay and lesbian community and residents from all over the city, according to Faulconer. They’re also well-connected experts in the fields of education, transportation, land use and public safety who have excellent relationships with decision-makers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., the Mayor’s office said.
Several of the hires speak Spanish, while others are fluent in Cantonese and Vietnamese, according to the Mayor’s office, which said the staff’s diversity makes good on a promise Faulconer made while campaigning for mayor. They will serve in functions like protocol, scheduling, land use and environmental policy and community representatives for designated City Council districts.
“They will be working hard every day to create One San Diego– a more inclusive and transparent city government that delivers quality neighborhood services to taxpayers and creates opportunities for San Diegans to live the American Dream,” Faulconer said.
There’s one position yet to be filled–that of the director of binational affairs. Whoever gets that job will head up the Office of Binational Affairs in Tijuana, which was opened by ex-Mayor Bob Filner. Faulconer said the office will be used to foster communication between the two cities.
The announcement only involved mayoral staff and not the leadership of departments — who still report to Chief Operating Officer Scott Chadwick and his three assistants COOs.
Faulconer was sworn-in on March 3, following February’s runoff election victory over Councilman David Alvarez. He has more than 2 1/2 years to finish out the term of Filner, who resigned in disgrace Aug. 30.
–City News Service contributed to this report.
